It is often difficult to know what you're choosing from the shelves of the supermarket is actually healthy or not. With vitamin and nutrition labels providing the information needed to make such a conclusion, other tactics often overshadow that data. Bright colored labels with 'All Natural' or 'Smart Choice' can lure buyers into thinking they're doing good for their health.
Most shoppers know that cabbage and carrots are smart choices at the grocery store.
But it might surprise people that Lucky Charms, Froot Loops, Ritz Bits Peanut Butter Chocolatey Blast crackers and Kid Cuisine Magical Cheese Stuffed Crust Cheese Pizza meals are billed as "Smart Choices" under a controversial new food-rating program.
A logo adopted by food company giants is showing up in major supermarkets: a green Smart Choices check mark meant to replace the blizzard of health labels that clutter food package fronts: "Sensible Solution, "Smart Spot," and so on.
Sponsors say the logo will help an overweight and overwhelmed public make better food choices in a way that reflects how people really shop.
Critics say Smart Choices won't help end confusion because its nutrition standards are far too lenient. They see the program as an attempt by food companies to bill less-than-stellar processed foods as nutritious.
They are especially steamed by the breakfast cereal category because so many sugary cereals got a stamp of approval.
"Froot Loops? Froot Loops! I rest my case," said Marion Nestle, nutrition professor at New York University. "No nutritionist I know would recommend Froot Loops for breakfast." (Read on...)
Note: A healthy diet consists of the foods that don't come in a box, bag, or can. Those are the foods found in the fruit and vegetable isle. These are the foods with the nutrients necessary for the prevention of sickness and disease and support good health. Be careful what you choose when shopping in the supermarket. Add Juice Plus+® to get more nutrients from fruits and vegetables if you don't eat enough of those foods. Either way, your choices should be more raw, whole food fruits and vegetables than those that have to carry labels to 'lure' you into buying them.
The Health & Wellness Institute
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